Giant Smoke Stack on Erie's Bayfront

Penelec Substation in Erie, PA. Photo by John E. Baker. Used with the permission of the photographer.

Thousands of people drive by the giant smoke stack on the bayfront in Erie, PA every day and wonder "What in the world is that thing?" Well, their words are probably a little more graphic than that, but you get the idea.

You can't miss it, even if you are speeding along on the Bayfront Highway. It's HUGE! 

The smokestack had a purpose. At one time, it was a vital part of the Penelec substation, supplying electricity to the City of Erie. The coal pile on the left side of the picture was a couple of stories high. One building from this complex still stands, and is the home of the Erie Maritime Museum. It's roughly in the center of this picture. The building between the Maritime Museum and the smokestack was demolished; you can drive from State Street to Holland Street on East Front Street.

Construction on the brand new Blasco Memorial Library was completed in 1996. The Hirt Auditorium was added to the south side of the Maritime Museum.

The old Grain Elevator, which has since been demolished, is visible to the northeast of the Maritime Museum. Here is a link to a picture of it from a different angle: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/11/grain-elevator-demolition-1986-erie-pa.html

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com